Parenthoods Monica Potter and Peter Krause (Kristina and Adam) are going on location just a week before the NBC dramas January 22 season finale to shoot a last-minute scene that will bring closure to the Kristina cancer story. At the very end, were on a beach, Potter says. But dont worry  its not like [the 1988 tearjerker] Beaches.

With just two episodes left in Parenthood's fourth season (Tuesday at 10/9c on NBC), Katims discussed the decision behind the shocking plot point, Sarah's (Lauren Graham) big decision between Mark (Jason Ritter) and Hank (Ray Romano), why there's hope for Amber (Mae Whitman) and Ryan (Matt Lauria) and previews one of his favorite scenes from the NBC drama's three-year run.

Question: How about some Parenthood spoilers? I promise I will find you and protect you in the event of a zombie apocalypse. Ive been watching Walking Dead, so I know how to kill them. ShannonAusiello: How about the anti-Dair brigade  promise to protect me from them, too? One could argue that theyre more lethal than zombies (and only slightly better looking). Deal? Cool. Should NBCs weekly tearjerker be back for a fifth season  and come on, it will be  exec producer Jason Katims wants Ray Romano to be a part of it. I would love for him to be around, he tells us. He is fantastic and his character is fantastic, so I would love that. Its too early to know, because so many things have to happen: [NBC] has to say they want [a fifth season], plus Ray is not a series regular on the show so we dont know what his availability and interest are going to be. Katims top priority is to figure out what the best story is and then from there figure out whether the actors are going to be available.

Are Parenthoods Joel and Julia about to find themselves without a second child again?

The end of the NBC dramas third season found the birth mother of the couples soon-to-be adoptive baby changing her mind, leaving them heartbroken  and with Victor, a new, much older son, courtesy of an eleventh hour adoption. Since then, however, the makeshift family has experienced countless growing pains, most notably the combative kids recent demand for a relationship with his real mom.

COMING UP NEXT | "Resolution" is on the way for Kristina's cancer story, and while showrunner Jason Katims won't reveal her season-ending prognosis, he does promise much more levity ahead for the character. "Having had my wife go through breast cancer a couple years ago, you realize that life doesn't stop so that you can just go through this," he shares. "You have kids and stuff to deal with, and that's when you come to realize [those things are] a blessing." In Kristina and Adam's case, it will be a funny storyline about teaching Max the importance of hygiene, as well as fighting alongside him in support of his beloved school vending machine. And fret not, Jason Ritter fans, because we have not seen the last of Sarah's estranged fiancé Mark. Nor is Hank out of the picture. "That [triangle] will get picked up again in this last group of episodes," Katims assures. "It's not just over." You can also look forward to Ryan trying "to get Amber to trust him" again, as well as Jasmine's now-unemployed mom shacking up with her daughter and son-in-law. And filed under "Sad Things Ahead," you'll find a major complication when it comes to Joel and Julia permanently adopting Victor.

If you were among those who worried that Parenthoods Sarah might suffer whiplash, given the way she went from being Marks fiancée to falling into bed with her boss, showrunner Jason Katims wants to shed light the single moms seemingly abrupt change of heart...

I can't believe Crosby and Jasmine are going to try for another baby on Parenthood! How soon will Jasmine get pregnant?  TracyADAM: Before they can start worrying about another kid, the newlyweds will have something else to worry about: Jasmine's mom! And if you though Crosby and Jasmine's arguments about religion and the N-word were intense, wait until Jasmine's mom asks for a loan to get through a rough patch and Jasmine invites her to stay with them! We guess there might be extra room if Crosby winds up in the doghouse.

Question: I was devastated to see Amber and Ryan break up on Parenthood! Is Matt Lauria done on the show, or is there still hope? - MeghanAusiello: We have not seen the last of Ryan this season. Not by a long-shot.

Episode 4.15 SidesNovember 29, 2012

The Braverman's support Julia and Joel in court for their adoption of Victor, members of the family have their say. Kristina has her last chemo treatment. Her friend Gwen (from earlier in the season) has relapsed. Jasmine and Crosby are still having problems with Renee. Drew gets into Berkeley. And Sarah has to choose between Mark and Hank.

Episode 4.14 SidesNovember 25, 2012

Sarah and Mark have broken up, but are in talks to fix things. Mark confronts Hank at his studio, Sarah is there. Joel fires Ryan from his construction job. Kristina backs Max to get the vending machines back at the school and does some research to help him. Julia and Joel are in the final stages of adopting Victor. More conflict between Crosby & Jasmine and her mother. Amber and Ryan are also having a hard time.

Question: This season of Parenthood has been amazing so far. Any hope that more episodes will be ordered? Please say this could/will happen! JoyAusiello: Sadly, it could not and will not happen. NBC has already announced that its passing the Tuesday-at-10 baton to Smash in early February, which puts Parenthoods Season 4 finale in late January. Now brace yourself  Ive got some Defcon 1-level scoop for ya: One character is going to cheat on his/her significant other, and another character will learn she is pregnant. And the two stories may or may not be related.

Episode 4.13 SidesNovember 13, 2012

Drew and Amy are back together but now she is pregnant! Victor accuses Julia of child abuse. Kristina and Adam have to talk to Max about sex. Renee turns down a new job.

NBCs Parenthood will (finally) resume Season 4 on Tuesday, Nov. 13, and when it does, Amber and Ryans love story will still be as sweet as ever. However, some of the Bravermans are already taking issue with the budding romance. (Were looking at you, Zeek.)

Kristina is now bald, undoubtedly a side affect of her chemo treatment. She feels like a freak when out shopping, people staring at her. But later in a bar with Adam a young man hits on her because of the Brunette wig she is now wearing. Meanwhile Renee is forced to stay with Dax and Jasmine when she runs into money problems.

update - new scene added to replace Kristina in the supermarket, this time she's wearing a scarf and is speaking to her butcher, who doesn't recogniser her at first.

Episode 4.11 SidesOctober 23, 2012

It's a Christmas episode, Sarah and Hank are doing a Santa photo shoot with a Mall Santa, it means big money for Hank. There is a possible breakup between Ryan and Amber, she doesn't want to be his caretaker, like Sarah was to Seth. Kristina takes a turn for the was when her Cheom treatment sends her white blood count seriously low, resulting in septic shock and time in hospital. The episode ends with Zeek sneaking the Braverman clan into the hospital so they can all be together for Christmas.

Ex marks the spot for Breaking Bad's Betsy Brandt, who has been cast as the former wife of Hank Rizzoli (Ray Romano) on Parenthood, TVGuide.com has learned. Brandt, who plays Skyler's sister Marie on the AMC series, is slated to appear on one episode of the NBC family drama. An airdate for her episode has not been set.

Question: Im loving Ray Romanos character Hank on Parenthood. It feels like they finally found a great match for Sarah. Any news on what will happen in the wake of their kiss? CaiaAusiello: In the short term, their smooch may be good news for Mark of all people. I think it made her resolve a little stronger to try to keep her life on the track that she planned and hoped for, and finally looked like she was about to achieve, muses Lauren Graham. And in the long-term? We still dont know whats going to happen  nor does [series creator Jason Katims], she maintains. [He] kind of adjusts as things go along and picks up on the threads that are interesting to him, more than they maybe do on most shows . So the line Im trying to play is confusion, and its justifiably confusing whats happening.

Question: I love this season of Parenthood! It seemed like in the last episode Matt Laurias character Ryan had a special connection with Amber. Are we going to see more of that?!ChristineAusiello: Oh, yes. That special connection is about to morph into a full-blown romance. Lauria, meanwhile, tells us hes on board for at least 10 episodes  an arc it sounds like hed be happy to see extended ever further. They gave me this amazing gift of playing this part thats taken me to new depths as an artist and has made me a much more compassionate human being, the Friday Night Lights vet raves. Im on board.

"Parenthood": We were thrilled to see Haddie return in last week's episode. In this week's, she's able to be there for Kristina through her lumpectomy, and the mother and daughter share some sweet moments. By the end of the episode, though, it's time for her to go back to Cornell. In fact, when Kristina gets some more bad news, Adam will choose not to share it with Haddie so Haddie can better enjoy her time at college.

And the catch is were not referring to Evangeline Lilly! Emily Evan Rae, who portrayed a young Kate Austen on Lost, has landed a multi-episode arc on Parenthood, TVLine has learned. The actress will play a member of the student council who interacts with Max (Max Burkholder) beginning in this seasons ninth episode.

Fun fact: Raes sister, Savannah Paige Rae, recurs on the NBC drama as Joel and Julias daughter Sydney. In addition to Lost, Raes expanding resume includes stints on The Office and Private Practice.

Episode 4.10 SidesOctober 10, 2012

Adam and Crosby are still having problems with their new neighbor Marlyse Dagon, when she has Glen Hansard's car towed from her spot. The brothers have to defend the Luncheonette at a council meeting, but things don't start well for them as she presents video evidence including Crosby peeing against a wall. In the end he saves the day. Amber is still seeing Ryan who now has a job working for Joel but things aren't going well. Things are also going bad between Sarah and Mark as he confronts her about Hank and walks out. After wards Hank and Sarah have a portrait job at a the Los Angeles Hotel, and end up with hangovers after getting drunk the night before.

Californication's Pamela Adlon to Make Trouble for Adam and CrosbyOctober 3, 2012

Crosby and Adam are about to get the neighbor from hell on Parenthood. TVLine has learned exclusively that Californications Pamela Adlon is joining NBCs make-you-verklempt family drama as Marlana, an acerbic and rude woman who moves into the building next to the Braverman brothers music studio, The Luncheonette. After having dropped a fortune on her posh new pad, Marlana is furious about the noise coming from Crosby and Adams place of business and eventually files a complaint with the city. Adlon, who plays the drug-addled ex-wife of Evan Handlers Charlie on the raunchy Showtime comedy but is perhaps best known for giving voice to Bobby Hill on King of the Hill, is set to appear in at least two episodes.

Matt Lauria makes his much-anticipated Parenthood debut next Tuesday (NBC, 10/9c), and we have your exclusive first look at the Friday Night Lights grad seamlessly finding his place among the Bravermans. The following shots  from his second episode, airing Oct. 9  seem to reveal that the close-knit clan wastes little time welcoming Laurias Ryan into the fold. As TVLine first reported, the actor joins the beloved dramas Season 4 as a soldier formerly stationed in Afghanistan who strikes up an unlikely friendship with fellow war vet Zeek (Craig T. Nelson).

Max is President (school or class) of Cedar Knoll Middle School and the power is going to his head when he wants to veto a school dance. His parents try and talk to him about it. Julia is making fresh pasta and wants to start a garden in their back yard, she might be getting bored having recently left her lawyer job. The Luncheonette has a new neighbor (Marlana) who doesn't like the "dang rock n roll musicians", there smoking and using all her parking spots. She makes life harder for Crosby when she files an official complaint about the problems when interrupting a recording session. Crosby tries to fix things only to make them worse. Sarah tries to further help Hank and his relationship with his daughter. And Victor needs an English tutor to catch up in school, apparently he's reading at a second grade level.

A son with Asperger's, money troubles, an unexpected pregnancy. Like almost every member of the Braverman clan, Parenthood's Kristina (Monica Potter) has been put through the wringer. So when it came time to start work on Season 4 of the NBC family drama (Tuesdays at 10/9c), Potter had a gut instinct for what should come next.

Thats the question fans will be wondering as they get to know Ray Romanos new character, Hank Rizzoli, this season on Parenthood. Ray joins the cast of the NBC drama for at least 10 episodes playing a photographer who hires Lauren Grahams character, Sarah, as his sidekick. Sarah is recently engaged to her younger beau Mark (played by Jason Ritter) but a love triangle is in the works.

Ray Romano, the stand-up comedian and star of the wildly popular family sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, has left the building. But Ray Romano, the co-creator, executive producer, writer and star of the drama Men of a Certain Age, is just getting started.

"That ended too soon," Romano tells TVGuide.com of the TNT series, which got the axe after two critically acclaimed but woefully underrated seasons. "I still have the affinity towards that type of show and towards that type of performing and that's what they do great here on Parenthood."

aIt has been nine months since viewers last saw the Bravermans. When the new season of Parenthood premieres on September 11, almost as much time will have passed in their lives. Theres a five month time gap because we try to stay pretty close to where we are in the calendar year, showrunner Jason Katims tells XfinityTV.com.

If youre anything like us, last seasons finale of Parenthood had you worried. Not because you thought the show wouldnt be renewed (its the smartest relationship/family drama on television) but because when Mark (Jason Ritter) asked Sarah (Lauren Graham) to marry him, the look on her face said she still wasnt quite sure of her answer. Well, Parenthood is just about ready to make its new season return, and apparently, were not the only ones who worry about that relationship!

"Parenthood": When Crosby finds out that Adam and Kristina schedule sex -- it's in his calendar as "Funkytown" -- he scoffs at the idea... but Jasmine thinks a schedule could do Crosby some good. Meanwhile, Sarah has trouble getting her new boss, Hank (Ray Romano) to warm up to her, but he makes a surprisingly genuine connection with another member of the family.

Episode 4.06 SidesAugust 24, 2012

It looks like the siblings now know about Kristina's cancer, they are in the hospital supporting Adam as Kristina has some kind of operation. There is also a scene with Drew and Mark, they might be at his apartment. Something about Drew being there and making the best of it, so they might have moved in with Mark? Max is still fighting for the vending machine still but now is also running for school president!

Question: Can you tell me how Parenthoods Sydney is going to react to the older brother that Julia and Joel are adopting? MargaretAusiello: I can confirm that she will have a reaction  whether its good, bad or somewhere in between I dont know. (Sam Jaeger, who plays Sam, has his own thoughts here.) Julia, meanwhile, will find that juggling two children plus a full-time job is a lot harder than juggling just one. Julia has always worked on the theory that she can do it all and have it all at work and as a mom, explains exec producer Jason Katims. And that theory will be challenged in a way it hasnt been before. This will make her question whether she really can do it all  a job as intense as the one she has and still be there for her children.

Question: I was wondering if were potentially going to get more than 15 episodes this season of Parenthood? JakeAusiello: Anythings possible, but I think that Katims is plotting out the season as though therell be just 15. In the meantime, heres some scoop: In one episode, Kristina and Adam have differing opinions about whether Max should run for class president, and Crosby and Jasmine have a difficult talk with Jabbar after he hears someone use a racial slur. How about a casting item to top things off? This season, well not only meet Ray Romanos Hank, well also be introduced his 11-year-old daughter Ruby. Though the kiddo is a sullen handful when she shows up, she soon transforms into (whew!) someone much more likable.

Paul McDonald  whose gravelly voice and mega-watt smile carried him to an eighth place finish on Foxs reality juggernaut  has booked a potentially recurring role on Parenthood, TVLine has learned exclusively. The singer-songrwiter will play a musician who uses Crosby and Adams recording space, The Luncheonette, and promptly catches the eye of the studios new assistant, Amber (Mae Whitman).

Episode 4.05 SidesAugust 3, 2012

Mark and Sarah start jogging. Victor has his first little league game. Julia is having a hard time at work, and end up quiting here job. Max spends some time with Amber and Adam takes time off from work.

Lauria, whose post-FNL roles have included Foxs cop drama Chicago Code and an arc on CSI, will play a returning soldier from Afghanistan who bonds with fellow war vet Zeek (Craig T. Nelson). Coincidentally, Laurias FNL character, Luke, enlisted in the army in the shows series finale. This brings to six the number of FNL actors Katims has brought on to Parenthood. In addition to Lauria, Minka Kelly, Michael B. Jordan, Derek Phillips, Angela Rawna and Jeff Rosick have also appeared on the show.

Question: Any Drew-related Parenthood scoop? Will he still be with Amy? KimAusiello: Yes, but their relationship is doomed. The high school sweethearts break up early in the season and Drew, naturally, is heartbroken, says exec producer Jason Katims, adding, As sweet as it was to see him have his first romance, Im actually more excited to see him heartbroken and trying to get over it. Making matters more angsty for the awkward teen, Sarah may decide at some point in the season to move in with Mark, Katims shares. Drew hasnt really bonded with Mark, so it would put him in a very uncomfortable position to be living in a small apartment with his mom and her guy, who is also a teacher at his school.

Episode 4.04 SidesJuly 31, 2012

Hank has an eleven year old daughter "Ruby", which he is having trouble connecting with. Sarah helps and in turn Ruby becomes closer to her father, Sarah and Hank also share a moment. Joel takes Victor to baseball field, which he does not enjoy. Zeek volunteers at a VA center for the army. Jabbar learns a lesson, as does Max.

Parenthood | Remember how Season 3 ended, way, way back in February, with Julia and Joel welcoming to their home, no, not Zoes newborn but the 9-year-old son of a freshly incarcerated woman? Yeah, thats likely to shake up their household, and in unanticipated ways. I have no doubt its going to cause a rift with our daughter, Sam Jaeger ventures  if only because Sydney was expecting to be a doting big sister. I think the dramas going to come a bit from having two kids the same age. Plus, the new arrival may not be as accepting of his new stead as some benign baby would be, and that in turn could put his new rents on guard. Joel has always been a constant, but I would imagine if I had a 9-year-old son that wasnt ready to be my son, thatd be a difficult situation to navigate, Jaeger offers. This kid has got to be pretty defiant.

I'm excited to see Ray Romano on Parenthood, but I don't want Sarah and Mark to break up! What kind of connection will Sarah have with this new guy?  StephanieADAM: There will be sparks from the beginning between Sarah and Romano's character, Hank, but not the good kind. Sarah will get herself fired from Hank's photography studio in the season premiere when he finds out that she not only lied about her complete lack of experience, but also accidentally erased a photo shoot. Oops! She gets a second chance, but the two will continue to clash, thanks to Sarah's emotional reactions to their shoots (funerals, weddings) and Hank's complete lack of emotions whatsoever. Sounds like a real catch!

Question: Please tell me Ray Romano isnt going to come between my favorite Parenthood couple, Sarah and Mark. AmberAusiello: Well, hes definitely going to cause a little friction. Rays character is the opposite of Mark, reveals exec producer Jason Katims. Hank is acerbic and has a cynical attitude about life, and he develops a connection with Sarah. In a weird way, hes kind of more right for her than somebody like Mark. Hes in a more similar stage of life as she is, so we wanted to watch as that dynamic develops  and not in a way thats very soapy. We wanted to make it feel as real as possible. As shes moving forward with Mark, an unanticipated connection begins to form with Hank. Bonus scoop: Sarah and Hank meet when she gets a job working at his small commercial photography studio.

Episode 4.03 SidesJuly 24, 2012

Kristina has cancer, no one in the family knows except Adam, Max is learning to do things he doesn't want to is a part of life. Sarah is still working with Hank as his photography assistant, she tries to talk him into taking a last minute job photographing a wedding. Zeek is arrested while driving with his grand kids, Max, Sydney, Jabbar and Victor.

"Parenthood": The Braverman world will be rocked this season by every family's worst nightmare: cancer. Kristina and Adam will look to a renowned oncologist for guidance, but find him less than comforting. Meanwhile, Zeke has an unfortunate run-in with the law and Max begins to fixate on a seemingly trivial change in his routine at school.

Parenthood fans got a nice, shiny, unexpected present this morning when the 2012 Primetime Emmy Award nominations were announced: Ritter, whose flawless portrayal of Lauren Graham's love interest Mark has made him a fan favorite, was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama. Hol. Ler.

So why was Jason stricken with panic when the calls started coming in at 6 a.m.? What can he spill about the future of his onscreen relationship with Sarah (Graham)? And why is he plotting Amanda Clarke-style "Revenge" on Ray Romano? Read on...

Does it feel weird to be the only one representing Parenthood?It totally is weird because any time I step onto that set, I feel like from Craig T. Nelson on down to every single child actor on the set, these are all heavy-hitters and I'm just stepping into their world. I wish they had all been nominated, too. And also especially because I feel like all I'm ever really doing on the show is reacting to Lauren Graham and how incredible she is. I just feel like I'm only ever as good as whoever I'm acting with and however good the writing is. It doesn't really feel like it's mine.

Question: Id happily take a Parenthood spoiler off your hands. MikeAusiello: Zeeks going to get a new buddy early in the season. Hes a returning soldier from Afghanistan who Zeek meets, and they connect, showrunner Jason Katims tells me of the new and uncast role. Weve always wanted to find a story where we can delve into a little of Zeeks military history.

Dax Shepard is a busy man. Not only did he write, co-direct, and star in the new film Hit and Run (due Aug. 24) alongside fiancée Kristen Bell, but hes set to start shooting Season 4 of NBCs Parenthood this Monday. Plus, he found time to stop by TVLines Comic-Con interview suite to dish both projects and crack a number of jokes both wacky and inappropriate.

The "Parenthood" Season 3 finale left a lot up in the air when it came to Haddie's (Sarah Ramos) college aspirations, particularly because her dad, Adam (Peter Krause), passed up an opportunity that could have helped pay her tuition.

Don't worry, Haddie fans -- the good news is, she's going to college. The bad news is that means that Ramos won't be around Berkeley as much next season. Zap2it has confirmed that Ramos' role in Season 4 will be reduced to a guest-starring level as Haddie pursues her East Coast dreams.

Parenthood already has one of the biggest casts on network TV, but it's ensemble just keeps growing. Last season added Adam and Kristina's baby daughter, Nora, and saw the return of Sarah's ex, Mark Cyr (Jason Ritter). For Season 4, which premieres on Sept. 11 at 10/9c, the NBC drama has added a few more fresh faces. There's Victor, Julia and Joel's adopted son and, of course, Emmy winner Ray Romano, who will play yet another love interest for the eldest Braverman daughter. "I've been talking to Ray a bunch about his character and he's really excited about doing it," executive producer Jason Katims tells TVGuide.com. "He's a fan."

Question: Please send me any spoilers you have about Parenthood. MargaretAusiello: The Braverman family will be down one member next season  sort of. With Haddie heading off to college, Sarah Ramos will no longer be a series regular. But she will be around, maintains exec producer Jason Katims. Im approaching it in a similar way as I did in Friday Night Lights, he says. When people graduated, we figured out a way to keep them around but also to make it realistic. She will be on the show this season, but she wont be in every episode.

"Parenthood" will be back on NBC 4 in Queens for a fourth season, premiering on Tuesday, September 11, at 10 p.m. This is a show that was on the bubble, but fortunately, there will be more coming up about the Bravermans. E! Online revealed Tuesday that there's plenty coming up for Amber in the new season, and there's good news and bad news.

The first episode for the new season will be titled "Family Portrait".

Episode 4.01 SidesJuly 3, 2012

Sarah has a new job with a photographer (Hank) but it doesn't get off to a good start when she accidently deletes and entire photo shoot. Later he finds out she lied to get the job. Amber is working at the Luncheonette as the new receptionist. She sleeps with a band member and later finds out he has a girlfriend, Adam is livid when he finds out. Renee encourages Crosby and Jasmine have to talk to Jabbar about religion. Max's lizard Guacamole is missing, he suspects Victor (Julia and Joel's newly adopted 9 year old boy. Haddie is about to leave home for school.

Jason Katims never intended for the season finale of Parenthood to feel like a series finale. (For the record, he thinks it was the wedding that gave that impression.) So we asked Katims to preview some of the great stuff coming up for the characters. And since youve already read about what Sarah and Mark will be facing (darn you, Ray Romano!), heres a look at some of the others:

Question: I just started watching Parenthood. I cannot believe Ive been missing out on this show! Any scoop on the new season? CaitlinAusiello: Amber will trade politics for music when she takes a job at the Luncheonette, which will accomplish two things: Itll give Mae Whitman a lot more screentime with TV uncle Dax Shepard, and it will allow Whitman to incorporate her real-life singing ability into the show. A win-win!

Kelli: What's coming up for Sarah on Parenthood? I heard Jason Ritter might not be returning? Please say it isn't so!
Praise Jason Katims! Jason Ritter is returning to Parenthood in season four as fan favorite Mark, so we're guessing Sarah said "yes" to spending the rest of her life with the adorable teacher. Go on, we'll give you a moment to squeal. Ready to continue? OK, there is a bit of bad news to go along with the good: Ritter will still be billed as a recurring guest star, not a series regular.